Economy News

Unemployment Claims on Rise in Louisiana

First-time claims for unemployment insurance in Louisiana for the week ending Oct. 15 increased from the previous week’s total. The state labor department figures show the initial claims rose to 2,674 from the previous week’s total of 2,558. For the …

Record Construction Pace in South Dakota’s Sioux Falls Not Easing

The record pace of construction in Sioux Falls isn’t letting up. The Argus Leader reported that the city has permitted $573.4 million in construction through September, up from $546 million over the same period last year. The city has permitted …

Report: Modest Economic Growth Expected in Midwest, Plains

Weakness in the agriculture and energy sectors will slow the economy in nine Midwestern and Plains states this spring, according to a monthly survey of business leaders released Feb. 2. The region’s overall economic index improved slightly to 54.8 in …

Manufacturing Growth to Aid Midwest Economy

A new survey of business leaders in nine Midwest and Plains states suggests that manufacturing growth will help fuel the regional economy through the end of the year, according to a report released on Oct. 1. The overall Mid-America Business …

Survey: Michigan Businesses Confident About Growth

The latest Michigan Future Business Index survey of small and midsize business leaders shows unequalled confidence in the state’s business economy and a rekindled desire to reinvest in their own future, according to Accident Fund Insurance Company of America. Business …

Midwest, Plains Economy Still Growing Steadily: Survey

A monthly survey of business leaders suggests the economy in nine Midwest and Plains states will continue growing steadily over the next few months. The overall economic index for the region declined slightly to 56.2 in May from April’s 56.8, …

Study: Agriculture Plays Important Role in Utah Economy

Agriculture continues to play an important role in Utah’s economy, according to a Utah State University study. The study found that when taking into account related industries such as food processing, agriculture contributed $17.5 billion to the state’s economy in …

Big Quake Could Cause $30B Damage to Oregon

A state commission says a magnitude 9 earthquake off the Oregon coast and tsunami could cause more than $30 billion damage to the state economy. Such a quake also could kill as many as 10,000 people in the state, but …

Great Plains Cities Seize New Wave of Prosperity

Take a look around: Life is pretty great in the Great Plains. So good that cities such as Sioux Falls and others in a region that stretches from the Dakotas to Texas are embarking on big building projects. While other …

Texas’ Expected Surplus Won’t Lessen 2013 Budget Fight

Shortfall and sacrifice: that’s how the Texas Legislature two years ago defended gutting $5.4 billion from public education, laying off thousands of public workers with slashed spending and stripping Medicaid to the bone. The new budget s-word this time around? …